McLean County Times

The Illinois House of Representatives concluded its fall veto session this week, passing several bills including a major energy bill. Representative Jason Bunting provided an update on the legislative activity and other events affecting his district.

Bunting stated that the new energy legislation lifts the ban on constructing new nuclear power plants, which he supports. However, he expressed concerns about provisions in the bill that could increase costs for ratepayers. "The energy bill lifts the ban on new nuclear power plant construction, which I support, but it also doubles down on bad energy policies which will drive up costs for Illinois ratepayers. Anyone who saw the way their electric bill shot up over the summer knows why this is a bad idea," Bunting said. He also highlighted worries about battery storage safety and emphasized his efforts to return more control to local governments regarding such projects: "This is one of the reasons I sponsored a bill to restore local control of these kinds of energy projects – so that local officials can have some say about these projects being placed in their communities."

Bunting criticized aspects of the bill as being costly and benefiting special interests. "The legislation which passed this week on a nearly party-line vote is filled with giveaways to special interests, costly mandates which will make our electric bills even higher, and more of the same 'Green New Deal' policies which drove up energy prices this summer," he added.

On criminal justice issues, Bunting reported that there were no reforms made to the SAFE-T Act during the session. He noted ongoing concerns among constituents regarding crime rates and described unsuccessful attempts by House Republicans to amend or repeal the law. "Crime continues to be an issue on the minds of many Illinoisans, but during the just-completed fall veto session it was an issue which the General Assembly once again failed to act upon," Bunting stated. He referenced several recent cases where suspects charged with violent crimes were released before trial under current bail laws.

"The SAFE-T Act, which was passed and signed in 2021, continues to prioritize criminals over victims and public safety. Until it is reformed or repealed, violent offenders will continue to be released from custody, and victims and communities will continue to pay the price," he said.

In community news, Bunting announced a blood drive scheduled for November 12 at his Dwight district office in partnership with Senator Chris Balkema and ImpactLife. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., offering residents an opportunity to donate blood.

Bunting also welcomed students from St. Paul School in Odell who visited the Capitol during the fall veto session. "It was a pleasure welcoming the students from St. Paul School in Odell to the Capitol during the fall veto session on Wednesday! Your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about our state government made the day even brighter," he shared.

He paid tribute to Ryan Whitehouse of McLean County, a longtime advocate for Illinois agriculture who recently passed away at age 41 after serving more than ten years with the Illinois Farm Bureau.

On state finances, Bunting reported that as of now there are $1,627,604,083 in unpaid bills awaiting payment by Illinois’ Comptroller’s office—a decrease from $1.9 billion at this time last year—but noted this figure does not include larger unfunded debts like pension liabilities exceeding $100 billion.

Bunting has served as representative for Illinois’ 106th House District since 2023 after succeeding Thomas Bennett.

For more information about donating blood at upcoming drives or details on eligibility requirements visit ImpactLife's website: https://www.bloodcenter.org/donate-blood/donation-process/eligibility.aspx